Board adopts superintendent's 2026–27 goals focused on student growth, fiscal balance and recruitment

The Apache Junction Unified School District Governing Board approved Superintendent Dr. Popalardo's four goals for 2026–27 at the Sept. 17 meeting. The goals align with the district strategic plan and include measurable targets for student achievement, maintaining a balanced year-end financial position, improved recruitment and retention of staff, and continued coordination with the Facilities Division to accelerate repairs.

Popalardo described how the goals will be measured and tracked in the board book and monthly work-session reports. On financial targets he said, “You have the law says we have to be at 0 at the end of the year. Right? We 0 out, we're good. We have any extra, that's even better.” Board members requested monthly measurement updates and confirmed that recruitment and retention assessments will be performance-based and reported in the board book. The motion to adopt the goals passed 5-0.

Administrators said they will include the goals and monthly metrics in upcoming work sessions so the board can monitor progress.